Nominated by: Head Start WEST

Troy “the X-Ray Boy” was a featured panelist at The Head Start WEST 2025 Family Engagement Conference. His own journey in his own words:

“Head Start has helped my family so much throughout the years. My daughter, Leanne, attended the program at the Maui college location. This was the same place I completed my radiology prerequisites in 2007. As a young father trying to earn my degree, it was a struggle to pay the bills. Thankfully, Head Start helped make my dream a reality and I’ve been working as a radiologic technologist at the Maui Medical Group for 16 years now! 

In my free time, I like to give back by visiting Head Start locations to teach kids about x-ray, ultrasound, CT & MRI. I was recognized as MEO’s 2017-2018 Volunteer of the Year, which inspired me to present at an even bigger scale. I’ve gone on to do my radiology presentation at schools throughout the world, helping kids to learn about diagnostic imaging. Leanne is doing her part as well! She’s studying nursing at UH Manoa and is currently completing her clinical hours at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children. ” 

Ms. Patti Tosh is truly deserving of recognition as a STEM Hero for her unwavering commitment to teaching and learning through meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences. One of the most passionate ways Ms. Tosh brings learning to life is through her intentional integration of STEM into everyday instruction. She has gone above and beyond by creating a dedicated STEM room for our school, thoughtfully designed for all classrooms to access. Each month, Ms. Tosh prepares engaging STEM lessons that teachers can bring to the space, ensuring all students have equitable opportunities to explore, investigate, and problem-solve.

In her own classroom, learning comes alive as students observe things grow, explore cause-and-effect relationships, and engage in authentic inquiry. Ms. Tosh fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and wonder by allowing students to ask questions, test ideas, and learn through discovery. Her leadership, creativity, and dedication to STEM not only enrich student learning but also inspire fellow educators. Ms. Patti Tosh exemplifies what it means to be a STEM Hero, making STEM accessible, exciting, and impactful for all learners.

Nominated by: STEAM Trailer – Mobile Classroom

She created a STEAM-mobile that visits classrooms to provide an outside classroom experience for children. The van goes to fairs, community events, and shelters and allows the kids to experience steam learning and play. She also has created steam bundles that are in crates to go to sites that can’t have the mobile visit due to parking restrictions. The kids love the themes such as Wild Wild West, Let’s Become Wizards, Let’s Go to Space, and Summer Fun. The trailer is also part of socializations for home visitors and the CCP program. They provide unique items and have a variety of activities to inspire the kids to learn about science and engineering. It’s fun for the kids and teachers when the van comes to visit.

Nominated by: Sara Feiling, KidZcommunity Site Supervisor

Lisa is a STEM hero to our site. She has an creative vision and strong sense of science exploration in a hands on way. No project is too messy for her. She engages herself in everyday STEM experiments that support curiosity in every child.

Nominated By: Teresa Fogolini

Jill St. Peter is a passionate advocate for hands-on, inclusive STEM learning with over 40 years of experience in early childhood education. As Curriculum and Training Director, Jill has dedicated her career to ensuring that every child — regardless of ability, age, or language — has access to meaningful STEM experiences. A dynamic presenter and STEAM facilitator, Jill specializes in making science and math accessible to all learners, including children with special needs, non-English speakers, and children across all age groups. Her work bridges research and real-world classroom practice through project-based learning and trauma-informed teaching. Jill holds a Master of Arts in Education and is certified in Trauma-Informed Care, Inclusion, and Infant/Toddler Care. She has presented at NAEYC, CAEYC, and Head Start conferences, bringing her vision of equitable STEM education to educators nationwide. At the heart of Jill’s work is a simple belief: when we empower educators, every child can thrive.

Nominated By: Maria Teresa Ruiz

The three educators from the C.F. Brown site are STEM Heroes because they demonstrate a deep commitment to transforming early learning through intentional, developmentally appropriate STEAM practices. They are open, reflective practitioners who actively seek opportunities to strengthen their instructional practices and create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for young children. Each teacher is currently engaged in STEAM-focused coaching and participates in professional conferences and learning opportunities to expand their understanding of inquiry-based, play-centered instruction. They intentionally apply what they learn to their classrooms, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics into daily routines, learning centers, and project-based explorations. These educators view children as capable problem-solvers and scientists. They design environments that invite curiosity, experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking, while honoring children’s questions, ideas, and cultural experiences. Their willingness to try new strategies, reflect on outcomes, and refine their practice demonstrates leadership and a growth mindset. As a team, they collaborate with one another and with their coach to strengthen STEAM implementation across the site, creating a consistent and inspiring learning experience for children and families. Their dedication to continuous learning and their passion for early STEM education make them true STEM Heroes, positively impacting both their classrooms and the broader early learning community.

Nominated By: Maria Teresa Ruiz

This coach is a STEM Hero because they lead STEAM implementation with vision, creativity, and deep commitment to educators, children, and families. Through intentional coaching, they support staff in translating STEAM theory into meaningful, developmentally appropriate classroom practices. They work side-by-side with educators—observing, modeling, reflecting, and providing follow-up support that strengthens confidence and builds sustainable change. Beyond individual coaching, this leader facilitates professional learning sessions that inspire curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration among staff. They ensure learning does not end with a training by intentionally following up with educators and families, helping connect STEAM experiences at school with everyday learning at home. Innovation is at the core of their work. This coach consistently thinks outside the box—designing creative approaches to STEAM that honor play, culture, and community context. They actively share their learning and practice by presenting at conferences, elevating early childhood STEAM and amplifying the voices of educators and families they serve. Collaboration defines their leadership style. They build strong partnerships across programs, work alongside teachers and administrators, and create spaces where ideas are shared, risks are welcomed, and growth is celebrated. Their presence, responsiveness, and passion make STEAM accessible, inclusive, and impactful. Through their coaching, innovation, and collaborative spirit, this leader has strengthened STEAM practices across classrooms and empowered educators and families to see themselves as learners, problem-solvers, and STEM champions—making them a true STEM Hero.

Nominated By: Teresa Aguiniga Santos and School Readiness and Disabilities Team Stanislaus County of Education

Nominated By: School Readiness Team – CFS & Child Family Services Stanislaus County Office of Education Grantee Operated Programs

Jewelee Lemus is a STEM Hero for her visionary leadership in supporting early childhood programs. As a director, she empowers staff by providing professional development, coaching, and resources that strengthen STEAM practices in classrooms. She prioritizes creating meaningful learning experiences for children while engaging families as partners in exploration and discovery. Jewelee fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth, encouraging her teams to implement creative strategies and think outside the box. Through her guidance and advocacy, she ensures that early learners have access to high-quality STEAM experiences, making a lasting impact on children, families, and educators alike.

I am honored to nominate our Head Start Director as a STEAM Hero for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing high-quality STEAM education in our preschool classrooms. Under her direction, STEAM has become a strategic priority across our program. She has intentionally supported comprehensive STEAM training and technical assistance through a strong coaching model, ensuring that education coordinators and coaches are equipped to guide teachers in implementing meaningful, developmentally appropriate STEAM practices. Rather than treating STEAM as an isolated initiative, she has embedded it into ongoing professional development systems, strengthening instructional quality and school readiness outcomes. In addition, she has dedicated resources to ensure classrooms have the materials, tools, and environments necessary to foster inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. By investing in hands-on materials, professional learning opportunities, and collaborative partnerships, she has created sustainable systems that empower teachers and inspire children. Her visionary leadership, commitment to continuous improvement, and dedication to expanding equitable access to high-quality STEAM experiences make her truly deserving of recognition as a STEAM Hero for Head Start.

Nominated By: School Readiness Education Team Child Family Services Stanislaus County Office of Education

I am honored to nominate Maria as a STEAM Hero for her outstanding dedication to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Through innovative teaching practices and hands-on learning experiences, she brings science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to life in meaningful ways. Her passion for STEAM empowers learners to explore, problem-solve, and think beyond limits. Her commitment, creativity, and impact truly embody the spirit of a STEAM hero.

Nominated By: Maria Teresa Ruiz

This coworker is a STEM Hero for their exceptional dedication to enhancing early childhood programs through collaboration and support. They provide guidance to staff, modeling exemplary practices while remaining open-minded and eager to learn more about STEAM. They bring creativity and intentionality to classroom activities, designing experiences that engage both children and families in meaningful exploration. Through their enthusiasm, reflective practice, and commitment to continuous learning, they inspire colleagues and foster a culture of curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation, making a lasting impact on the programs, children, and families they serve.

Nominated By: Denise Bega & Stanislaus Office Of Education/CFS/School Readiness & Disability

Nomination of the School Readiness Team Stanislaus County Office of Education

It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate the School Readiness Team at the Stanislaus County Office of Education for recognition of their innovative leadership and impact in early childhood education.

The School Readiness Team has developed and implemented a comprehensive series of STEAM-focused professional learning experiences designed specifically for Coaching and Education teams. Their work goes beyond delivering content; they have created a cohesive framework that intentionally connects curriculum implementation, child assessment, and STEAM practices within early learning environments.

Innovation in STEAM Integration

The team’s approach ensures that STEAM is not viewed as an isolated activity, but as an instructional strategy embedded across domains of development. Through carefully designed content, they guide participants in aligning hands-on STEAM experiences with early learning foundations and assessment tools. Educators are supported in understanding how inquiry, exploration, and problem-solving strengthen children’s cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.

A distinguishing feature of their work is the intentional alignment of STEAM practices with the CLASS framework. The team explicitly connects STEAM facilitation to:

Emotional Support through encouragement, persistence, and relationship-building

Classroom Organization through thoughtful materials management and engagement strategies

Instructional Support through concept development, analysis and reasoning, feedback loops, and language modeling

This alignment strengthens instructional quality while ensuring that STEAM experiences elevate teacher-child interactions.

Relationship-Based Coaching Model Each Specialist utilizes a signature STEAM challenge as a relational coaching strategy. These challenges are intentionally designed to:

Build trust and collaboration among participants

Model inquiry-based facilitation

Demonstrate productive struggle and problem-solving

Reflect on instructional practices through a CLASS lens

By engaging educators as learners first, Specialists create meaningful professional learning communities grounded in shared experience and reflective dialogue.

Practical, Transferable Impact

The School Readiness Team ensures that every session includes a variety of hands-on STEAM experiences that educators can immediately implement in their classrooms. Examples include:

Engineering design challenges using everyday materials

Science inquiry investigations such as sink-and-float explorations

Outdoor nature-based engineering

Ramps and motion investigations

Light and shadow explorations

Recycled materials construction challenges

Each experience is intentionally connected to curriculum goals, assessment documentation strategies, and quality interaction indicators. Teachers leave sessions with ready-to-use materials, questioning strategies, and documentation ideas that strengthen both practice and child outcomes.

Measurable and Sustainable Impact

Through this initiative, the School Readiness Team has:

Increased educator confidence in facilitating STEAM

Strengthened intentional instructional interactions

Enhanced alignment between curriculum and assessment

Elevated reflective coaching practices

Fostered collaborative professional learning communities

Their work exemplifies innovation, intentionality, and sustainability in early childhood systems support.

The School Readiness Team at the Stanislaus County Office of Education demonstrates exceptional leadership in integrating STEAM, curriculum, assessment, and instructional quality frameworks. Their relationship-based coaching model and practical, hands-on approach have created lasting impact across programs and classrooms.

For these reasons, we proudly nominate the School Readiness Team for recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing high-quality early childhood education.

I would like to nominate the current STEAM Cohort to continue their participation. This group has demonstrated strong collaboration, commitment to innovative practices, and dedication to integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into their work. Their continued involvement will further strengthen their skills and expand the positive impact on student learning and engagement.

Nominated By: WCD Coach Jaylynn Blagg

I have chosen to nominate the teaching staff that I coach because they have embraced learning what STEAM is and what it can look like in the infant, toddler and preschool environments. This is our first intentional year of planning, preparing and implementing STEAM focus activities in our classrooms. Each staff member has engaged in planning, preparing and implementing STEAM activities such as; sink and float, building a movable vehicle, building a cocoon, attaching letters to the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree, building bridges, exploring water, and constructing a house. As I video them it has been a privilege to see the joy and excitement on their faces as they see the “SPARK for learning” that they have ignited in the children. They have also demonstrated the commitment to working through challenges and continuing the journey of implementing STEAM focused activities. Their perseverance is inspiring to me! I am thankful to be their coach.

Nominated By: Bernadette Chase – Stanislaus County Office of Education Child Family Service

I would like to nominate JayLynn Blagg as a STEAM Hero for Head Start West. As an Early Childhood Education (ECE) Coach, JayLynn plays a vital role in supporting and training teachers to intentionally integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math into their classrooms. She provides ongoing coaching, modeling, and professional development that strengthens teachers’ understanding of STEAM and builds their confidence in implementing hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. JayLynn shares practical strategies, resources, and examples that help teachers create engaging learning environments where children can explore, investigate, and think critically. Her guidance encourages teachers to use open-ended questions, creative materials, and meaningful activities that foster curiosity and problem-solving skills in young children. Through her leadership, collaboration, and passion for STEAM, JayLynn positively impacts classroom practices and children’s learning outcomes across Head Start West. Her dedication to building teacher capacity and promoting high-quality STEAM instruction truly makes her a STEAM Hero.

Nominated By: Maria Teresa Ruiz

This teacher assistant is a STEM Hero for her creativity and dedication to implementing STEAM practices in the classroom. She consistently thinks outside the box, bringing innovative ideas that turn everyday materials and routines into meaningful learning experiences. Their thoughtful approach supports children’s curiosity, problem-solving, and engagement. Through careful planning, observation, and collaboration with teaching staff, she helps ensure STEAM activities are intentional, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. Laronna’s diligence and passion for learning strengthen classroom practice and inspire both children and colleagues, making them a valuable leader in early childhood STEAM.

Nominated By: CFS-School Readiness Team- Stanislaus County Office of Education

Diane is a STEM Hero for her long-standing commitment to advancing high-quality STEM education. She has intentionally built a STEM studio within her program that provides hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities for children, including elementary-aged students, helping bridge early childhood and elementary education. Under her leadership, teachers receive monthly professional development focused on STEM, ensuring practices are consistent, current, and impactful. By investing in both innovative learning spaces and ongoing educator growth, she has created a strong, sustainable STEM culture that benefits children, educators, and families across the program.

Nominated by: Wassy Tesfa, Pacific Clinics

I am nominating Judy Cashell because she is an early childhood educator who is deeply committed to STEM in early childhood education. Judy is the initiator and co-founder of the Region 9/Head Start West STEM Institute. What began as a training series she developed for her Pacific Clinics Head Start staff quickly gained popularity among neighboring Head Start programs. From there, Judy expanded the training to the broader Head Start community and integrated the program with Region 9.

Judy became Chair of the STEM Institute and has helped develop and lead the annual trainings each year. She has brought in lecturers and STEM experts from the national stage to participate in the Institute, enriching the experience for all attendees.

Judy is also the founder of the Curriculum Fair, an innovative and highly productive training event where teachers showcase what they have developed and implemented in their classrooms. This event allows educators to exchange ideas and learn from one another. The Curriculum Fair has become one of the most popular activities of the STEM Institute.

Today, the Region 9/Head Start West STEM Institute has national recognition as a place where teachers and staff gain valuable knowledge and expertise.

Nominated by: Carmen Hercules, El Concilio Stockton

As a STEAM coach, Sarai brings together students, teachers, families, and community partners to build a vibrant culture of innovation. Sarai leads professional learning, co‑teaches lessons, and develops interdisciplinary projects that connect classroom learning to real-world challenges. Whether guiding robotics teams, supporting makerspace initiatives, or helping teachers integrate new technologies, Sarai is known for their collaborative spirit and ability to make STEAM accessible and exciting for all. Her dedication to expanding opportunities and uplifting the entire agency exemplifies what it means to be a STEAM Coach Hero.

Nominated by: Margaret l Annear Room 105

Amanda has thoughtfully created an environment where students feel empowered to explore, create ideas, and grow in their independence. Every item in her classroom is intentionally chosen, reflecting the care and effort she puts into making the space both inviting and purposeful. She carefully observes and listens to children’s interests and ideas, using what she learns from them to guide and shape her lesson plans. By building learning experiences around what excites and inspires the children, Amanda ensures that each student feels seen, valued, and actively engaged. She makes a point to connect with every child individually, creating opportunities for each of them to participate, contribute their thoughts, and develop confidence in their abilities. Through her dedication, she promotes independence while maintaining a predictable, comforting routine that helps students feel secure and confident. Her hard work is evident in the way children navigate their day with confidence, knowing what to expect and feeling capable of doing things on their own. Amanda’s classroom is a true reflection of her commitment to her students and her passion for meaningful early learning.

Nominated by: Kimberly Batayola on behalf of Capo Valley Head Start of Orange County Head Start

Before Ashley was even notified about notified about STEM week, she was planning her Spring lesson plan to build our garden. She had observed the children’s interest in insects and seeds. She requested caterpillars to be purchased so the class could observe the circle of life. She requested seeds to plant in the garden and then made books from the empty seed packets. The children are currently loving the experience, exploring nature, digging in the garden, growing seeds and observing the circle of life.